Summer Camps & Research: Catalyzing Social Change & Learning - with Laurie Browne - The Pudding #11

Written By Kate Taylor

Exploring the Future of Camp Research & its Impact with Laurie Brown

In this episode, hosts Travis Allison and Dr. Mandi Baker discuss the significant research efforts and initiatives undertaken by the American Camp Association to understand and improve summer camps. Special guest Laurie Brown, Ph.D, Senior Director of Innovation and Learning at the ACA, shares insights from her journey as a researcher, as well as some behind-the-scenes info about research grants and the innovative approaches the ACA is exploring to enhance camp programming and outcomes. The discussion also highlights ACA's collaborative projects and future ambitions in camp research, emphasizing the need for our industry as a whole to develop professional support for Camp Pros and recognize their expertise as creative problem solvers.

Episode Guide

  • 00:41 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction

  • 01:15 Laurie Brown's Research Journey

  • 03:51 The Family Tree of Camp Researchers

  • 08:18 Character Development Grant and Research Questions

  • 14:13 New Approaches to Research

  • 21:15 Being an “Expert Researcher” in Camping

  • 30:17 Upcoming Research: Accessibility & Inclusion in Camps

  • 35:28 Wellbeing in the Camp Workplace

  • 40:16 How the Camp Industry can be Taken Seriously

  • 45:48 Who Else Should We be Hanging Out With?

Episode Guide

  • 00:00 Welcome to Season Two!

  • 00:29 Meet Victoria Povilaitis

  • 01:42 Inside Tim's Camps

  • 02:34 New Programming Initiatives

  • 03:38 Understanding Program Quality

  • 05:09 The Five C's of Youth Development

  • 11:31 Victoria's Journey into Camp Research

  • 19:09 Current Research Projects at Tim's Camps

  • 27:13 The Impact of Smartphones at Camp

  • 30:41 Future Directions in Camp Research

  • 33:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Your Hosts:

Thanks to our sponsors!

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Kate Taylor
Next

The Impact of Research...and Camp! - with Victoria Povilaitis - The Pudding #10